Hi all.

I just had a quick question, I had to have the heater hoses replaced on my TH magna, and the mechanic said that the plastic clip that holds the heater hose on broke. He said the part was cheap, $25ish, but replacing it was a pain in the butt. He's have to pull out the entire dash, and it was a long hard job, so with the labor it'd be around $700 to replace.

So I've been without a heater for a while now. But its hard some cold mornings.

Is there an easier way to fix it? Or was the mechanic right? I'm semi handy with cars, so I don't mind spending a weekend pulling it all apart, but I wasn't sure how much there was to it.

Thanks.

Suggestions:

(1) Wear something warm.

(2) Search this forum for "heater core leaking/replacement" type of posts, common problem and it has been covered extensively. It is a DIY job but it is probably a good idea to identify the broken part(s) and get replacements beforehand. If it is the plastic elbow that protrudes into the engine bay that is broken, then yes, the dash has to come out. Replace both and the "O" rings too. If you can show a picture of the broken bit we might be able to be a bit more accurate on the parts needed.

Good idea to take photographs as you dismantle things, handy when it comes to put things back together.

I Have Found that Mad Magna is cheapest but is in melbourne.
I am in same boat my heater hasnt worked as long as i have owned it. (joys of Buying a Car in Summer Didn't Check the Heater)
Was Quoted $1200 + Buy Agostinos and $850 is cheapest quote here in S.A with another mechanic.

Yes the plastic elbows do require the dash out, ive done this recently, below is a pic

These are 2 heater cores, one is fitted with new o-rings and the new elbows.
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad217/peaandham_bucket/IMG_3844.jpg

However, $700 isn't a bad price.

That's a nice lace tablecloth there mate - did you pick it out yourself? :hmm:

Yes the plastic elbows do require the dash out, ive done this recently, below is a pic

These are 2 heater cores, one is fitted with new o-rings and the new elbows.
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad217/peaandham_bucket/IMG_3844.jpg


However, $700 isn't a bad price.

So that's what the little mofos look like! Thanks for the pic!


That's a nice lace tablecloth there mate - did you pick it out yourself? :hmm:

Don't disrespect his mother's best tablecloth, dude! lol

PS Removing the old hoses can break the end off, best to slice the hose lengthways over the spout and peel it off carefully. Most people would just give the old hose a twist and a pull to get it off. Not good for brittle plastics. (Ooops! Followed by much swearing.)